Attached for your information is the Division's response to your request for comments on the above project.

Please find the letter from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in relation to the Goonumbla Solar farm project (SSD 7618).

As a health professional, I strongly support alternatives to fossil fuels. The evidence of the adverse health effects of coal mining continues to mount.

Dear Commissioners,

I support this project. It is imperative that solar energy is developed as quickly as possible. Consequently this project should be developed as quickly as possible.

Yours sincerely
John Van Der Kallen

Can the Proponent explain why the Visual Assessment (Main Report Section 9) has not included an assessment for potential glint to be observed from view locations surrounding the proposed solar farm. The SEAR's require the consideration of reflectivity and whilst glare (from the solar panels) has been discussed the potential for glint has not. Whilst noted as indicative, the solar panels illustrated in Figure 1 include a metal fixing strip surrounding the panel. It is this fixing strip (common to many solar panels) which has been noted as a potential source of glint at operating solar farms in NSW and specifically those adopting a SAT system.

Can the Proponent explain why the photomontages have not included a representation of the inverter modules? The inverters are noticeable structures when compared to the solar panels and commonly painted white resulting in a high degree of contrast against muted landscape tones.

Can the Proponent explain why the Visual Assessment has not considered the potential for visual impacts associated with the proposed sub station, control room and or maintenance building?

Can the Proponent explain why the Visual Assessment has included no documentary evidence (such as site photographs) to support speculation that topography and vegetation block views toward the proposed solar farm from the majority of surrounding homes?

Please see attached submission.